Infant sleep structure rocking device and stretcher assembly

ABSTRACT

A rocking device attachable to an infant sleep structure is disclosed. The rocking device includes a main body having a curved rocking edge. The rocking device also includes an actuator mounted on the main body. The rocking device further includes at least one stabilizing leg mounted on the main body. The actuator includes arms connecting to the at least one stabilizing leg. When in use, the actuator is configured to actuate the at least one stabilizing leg at a deployed position to prevent the rocking device from rocking, or to actuate the at least one stabilizing leg at a non-deployed position to permit rocking. Also a stretcher assembly for stretching a play yard mattress is disclosed. The stretcher assembly includes an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is configured to deploy the stretcher sleeve to an expanded state or a stretched state.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to an infant sleep structure. Morespecifically, the disclosure relates to rocking devices attachable to aninfant sleep structure, and a stretcher assembly for stretching amattress of the infant sleep structure.

BACKGROUND

Parents have long sought ways to comfort and soothe their infants orchildren in an attempt to get them to sleep faster. Motions such asrocking and swaying have proven effective in helping an infant or achild nod off more quickly.

SUMMARY

The rocking devices described herein relate to a means of permitting asoothing rocking and/or swaying motion for an infant or a child sleepingin a bed or other sleep structure in which an infant may be sleeping.The rocking devices are attachable to each end of an infant sleepstructure in which an infant may sleep, which infant sleep structuredoes not normally have rocking capability. By attaching the rockingdevices to the infant sleep structure, the infant sleep structure isprovided with rocking capability. The infant sleep structure can be aninfant play yard or playpen, a bassinet, a Moses basket, a carry cot, acrib or any other infant structure without rocking capability and forwhich a caregiver may wish to provide rocking capability. In someembodiments, the infant sleep structure may be portable.

In one embodiment, each of the rocking devices includes a rocking meansthat is removably attachable to an infant sleep structure to permitsoothing rocking and/or swaying motion of the infant sleep structure, aselectively deployable stabilizing means to prevent rocking of theinfant sleep structure when desired, and a means to removably connectthe rocking means to the infant sleep structure. In another embodiment,the rocking devices can be built into or be integrally formed with theinfant sleep structure, rather than being removably attachable.

In one embodiment, each rocking means can include a main rocker bodywith a curved floor-engaging surface that in use rests on the floor topermit the rocking motion. In one embodiment, the selectively deployablestabilizing means can include an actuator and at least one stabilizingleg. In one embodiment, the means to removably connect the rocking meansto the infant sleep structure can be at least one connector.

Two of the rocking devices described herein are connected to twoopposing sides or ends of the infant sleep structure. The rockingdevices can be substantially identical to one another.

In one embodiment, a rocking device attachable to an infant sleepstructure is disclosed. The rocking device includes a main body having acurved rocking edge. The rocking device also includes at least oneconnector mounted on the main body and configured to removably mount therocking device to the infant sleep structure. The rocking device furtherincludes an actuator mounted on the main body. Also the rocking deviceincludes at least one stabilizing leg mounted on the main body andconnected to the actuator. The at least one stabilizing leg has anon-deployed position that permits rocking of the rocking device, and adeployed position that prevents rocking of the rocking device. Theactuator is connected to the at least one stabilizing leg to actuate theat least one stabilizing leg between the non-deployed position and thedeployed position.

In one embodiment, a stretcher assembly for stretching a play yardmattress is disclosed. The stretcher assembly includes a first portionand a second portion. The first portion and the second portion areconnected to one another by a hinge to allow folding of the stretcherassembly. The first portion includes a sleeve that is movable relativeto the second portion between an unlocked position and a lockedposition. At the locked position the sleeve is positioned closer to thesecond portion than at the unlocked position. At the locked position,the sleeve covers the hinge. The stretcher assembly also includes a lockmechanism on the second portion that releasably locks the sleeve at thelocked position.

Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of thefollowing detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part ofthis disclosure and which illustrate the embodiments in which systemsand methods described in this specification can be practiced.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an infant sleep structure and oneof the rocking devices described herein attached to an end of the infantsleep structure, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the rocking device of FIG. 1 with thestabilizing legs deployed and the actuator in a downward or actuatedposition to stabilize the rocking device thereby preventing rockingmotion.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the rocking device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the rocking device of FIG. 1 showing oneexample of how a leg of the infant sleep structure can connect to theconnector of the rocking device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an infant sleep structure and twoof the rocking devices described herein attached to opposite ends of theinfant sleep structure.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are end views showing a rocking device for an infant sleepstructure, according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views showing a connector of the rockingdevice of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 10 shows a stretcher assembly connecting to a play yard mattress,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial view of the stretcher assembly of FIG.10.

FIGS. 12 and 15 are perspective views showing the stretcher assembly ofFIG. 10.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are cross sectional views of the stretcher assembly ofFIG. 12 taken along lines 13-13.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are enlarged partial perspective views of the stretcherassembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 18 shows a portion of the stretcher assembly of FIGS. 10-17 in anexpanded state.

FIG. 19 shows a portion of the stretcher assembly of FIGS. 10-17 in astretched state.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the stretcher assembly of FIGS.10-17.

Like reference numbers represent like parts throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The rocking devices disclosed herein can turn an infant sleep structureinto an infant rocker. The rocking devices can increase thefunctionality of the infant sleep structure and provide parents with newoptions for use of the infant sleep structure. When an infant sleepstructure is used for napping, some children find it difficult to fallasleep without movement. The rocking devices described herein can allowthe option for gently rocking the child to sleep when the child is onthe infant sleep structure.

In one embodiment, the rocking devices described herein are add-ondevices that are removably attachable to opposite ends or opposite sidesof an infant sleep structure that does not normally have rockingcapability. When attached, the rocking devices provide the infant sleepstructure with rocking capability.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an infant sleep structure and oneof the rocking devices described herein attached to an end of the infantsleep structure (an identical or similar rocking device (visible in FIG.5) is attached to the opposite end of the infant sleep structure).

The rocking device 10 includes a main body 12. The main body 12 has acurved rocking edge 14 that during use rests on the floor to permit asoothing rocking and/or swaying motion of the infant sleep structure 16.It will be appreciated that the curve of the curved rocking edge 14 canbe an arc of a circular sector or any other suitable curve that permitsa soothing rocking and/or swaying motion.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the main body 12 hasa circular-sector-like shape with a central angle θ that is less than180 degrees. It will be appreciated that the central angle can be anysuitable degrees provided that the shape of the main body 12 can bedesigned so that the rocking device 10 not only permits a soothingrocking and/or swaying motion, but also minimizes the amount of materialused for the main body 12 (thus reducing the weight of the rockingdevice 10 and reducing the overall cost). The material of the main body12 of the rocking device 10 can be wood, metal, plastic, rubber or anysuitable material that allows the main body 12 to support the weight ofthe infant sleep structure 16 to which the rocking device 10 connects.

In one embodiment, the curved rocking edge 14 of the main body 12 can bemade of material that is the same as the main body 12. In anotherembodiment, the curved rocking edge 14 of the main body 12 can be madeof material that is different from the main body 12. For example, thecurved rocking edge 14 can be formed by a layer or bead of material thatis fixed to the curved edge of the main body 12. It will be appreciatedthat the material of the curved rocking edge 14 of the main body 12 isselected to prevent scratching of the floor, for example hardwood, tile,linoleum or the like, or other surface that the curved rocking edge 14is engaged with. It will also be appreciated that the material of thecurved rocking edge 14 of the main body 12 can be selected to preventwear and tear over time when the rocking device 10 is placed on, forexample, a tiled floor or a floor with a rough surface. It will furtherbe appreciated that the material of the curved rocking edge 14 of themain body 12 can reduce friction and/or provide a smooth motion when therocking device 10 is used on, for example, a carpeted floor.

The rocking device 10 further includes at least one stabilizing leg 20that is selectively deployable between a retracted or non-deployedposition (shown in FIGS. 1 and 5) and an extended or deployed position(shown in FIG. 2), and an actuator 22 connected to the at least onestabilizing leg 20 that controls actuation of the stabilizing leg 20between the non-deployed and deployed positions. FIG. 2 illustrates twoof the stabilizing legs 20, each of which is selectively deployablebetween the non-deployed and deployed positions. When the stabilizinglegs 20 are actuated to the deployed position, the stabilizing legs 20prevent the rocking device 10, and the infant sleep structure 16, fromrocking. It will be appreciated that the actuator 22 and the stabilizinglegs 20 can be integrated as a single piece or be separate components.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rocking device 10 is attached to one side or endof the infant sleep structure 16 and is shown with the stabilizing legs20 retracted. In such embodiment, the actuator 22 for actuating thestabilizing legs 20 is at uppermost or retracted position. Only one ofthe rocking devices 10 at one end/side of the infant sleep structure 16is visible in FIG. 1, it being understood that a similar or identicalrocking device 10 is disposed at the opposite end/side of the infantsleep structure 16 as shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the main body 12 has a groove 24 thatextends in a vertical direction. The actuator 22 is mounted in thegroove 24 and is slidable within the groove 24 between the retractedposition shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 and a deployed position shown in FIG. 2.The actuator 22 is located at an upper position in the groove 24 at theretracted position of the actuator 22, and located at a lower positionin the groove 24 at the deployed position of the actuator 22. Theactuator 22 can be a handle that extends in a direction perpendicular tothe first side 26 of the main body 12. The actuator 22 also has two arms28 a, 28 b movably connected thereto, and the stabilizing legs 20 aremounted at the ends of the arm 28 a, 28 b. The proximal ends of the twoarms 28 a, 28 b connect to the actuator 22. Each of the two arms 28 a,28 b is movable at the proximal end of each arm 28 a, 28 b about theaxis of the actuator 22. The distal end of each arm 28 a, 28 b connectsto the corresponding stabilizing leg 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, when the actuator 22 is an upper position inthe groove 24, the two arms 28 a, 28 b are disposed at an angle relativeto one another and the two stabilizing legs 20 are retracted by the arms28 a, 28 b to a retracted position such that the two stabilizing legs 20are retracted so that they do not project beyond the curved rocking edge14. In this position, the curved rocking edge 14 of the main body 12 canprovide a soothing rocking and/or swaying motion to the infant sleepstructure 16 without being impacted by the two stabilizing legs 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, when the actuator 22 is moved to a lowerposition in the groove 24, the arms 28 a, 28 b move with the actuator 22and move to become generally parallel to each other. The two stabilizinglegs 20 are rotated by the arms 28 a, 28 b so that the legs 20 aregenerally parallel to the groove 24 and extend beyond the curved rockingedge 14 either into engagement with the floor or to a position close tothe floor. At this position, because the legs 20 are engaged with orvery near the floor, the two stabilizing legs 20 prevent all or mostrocking motion of the rocking device 10.

The material of the actuator 22 and the stabilizing legs 20 of therocking device 10 can be wood, metal, plastic, rubber or any suitablematerial that allows the stabilizing legs 20 to prevent all or mostrocking motion of the rocking device 10. In one embodiment, thestabilizing legs 20 can be made of material that is the same as theactuator 22. In another embodiment, the stabilizing legs 20 can be madeof material that is different from the actuator 22.

It will be appreciated that the material of the stabilizing legs 20 isselected to prevent scratching of the floor, made of hardwood, tile,linoleum or the like, or other surface that the stabilizing legs 20 areengaged with when deployed to prevent rocking motion. It will also beappreciated that the material of the stabilizing legs 20 can be selectedto prevent wear and tear over time when the rocking device 10 is placedon, for example, a tiled floor or a floor with a rough surface.

In one embodiment, the actuator 22 can be actuated between the positionsshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 manually using one's foot or hand. In anotherembodiment, a handle can be attached to the actuator 22 with the handleextending upwardly toward the top of the infant sleep structure 16. Sucha handle would permit easier actuation of the actuator 22 using oneshand without requiring the user to bend or stoop down to reach theactuator 22.

In one embodiment, a releasable lock mechanism (not shown) can beprovided to retain the actuator 22 at the upper position and/or at thelower position in the groove 24. The lock mechanism can preventunintentional movement of the actuator 22 when the actuator is at theupper position or at the lower position in the groove 24. In anotherembodiment, a lock mechanism is not provided; instead, friction can beused to retain the actuator 22 at the desired positions.

In one embodiment, a biasing mechanism such as a spring (not shown) canbe provided that acts on the actuator 22. The biasing mechanism canserve to bias the actuator 22 either toward the upper position shown inFIGS. 1 and 5, or bias the actuator 22 toward the lower position shownin FIG. 2.

The rocking device 10 further includes at least one connector 30 that isconfigured to removably connect the rocking device 10 to the infantsleep structure 16. The connector(s) 30 can have any constructionsuitable for removably connecting the rocking device 10 to the infantsleep structure 16. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the rockingdevice 10 includes two of the connectors 30. The two connectors 30 areinstalled on a second side 32 (the side that is facing the infant sleepstructure 16 to which the rocking device 10 connects, i.e., a side thatis opposite to the first side 26) of the main body 12. Each of the twoconnectors 30 has a substantially half-circular shape with an opening 34that is sized to receive a leg 36 of the infant sleep structure 16 asseen in FIGS. 4 and 5.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, two of the rocking devices 10 are attached toopposite ends or opposite sides of the infant sleep structure 16. One ofthe rocking devices 10 is attached to one side or end of the infantsleep structure 16 and is shown with stabilizing legs 20 retracted. Insuch embodiment, the actuator 22 for actuating the stabilizing legs 20is at the upper position in the groove 24 or at a retracted position.The identical or similar rocking device 10 is attached to the oppositeend of the infant sleep structure 16. Each one of the two rockingdevices 10 includes two of the connectors 30. Each of the two connectors30 has a substantially half-circular shape with the opening 34 that issized to receive the leg 36 of the infant sleep structure 16.

The material of the connectors 30 of the rocking device 10 can be metal,plastic, or any suitable material that allows the connectors 30 tosupport the weight of the infant sleep structure 16 to which the rockingdevice 10 connects.

In one embodiment, the positions of the connector(s) 30 may beadjustable in order to accommodate different shapes and sizes of theinfant sleep structure 16. For example, in one embodiment, thehorizontal locations of the connector(s) 30 on the main body 12 may beadjustable to accommodate different widths of the infant sleep structure16 (i.e., different leg spacing). In another embodiment, the verticallocations of the connector(s) 30 on the main body 12 may be adjustableto accommodate different heights (from the bottom of the legs 36 to thelowest supporting surface of the infant sleep structure 16) of the legs36. In another embodiment, both the horizontal locations and thevertical locations of the connector(s) 30 on the main body 12 may beadjustable.

In one embodiment, there could be a means (for example, a fastener oradhesive material) for tightening the connectors 30 to the legs 36. Inanother embodiment, the infant sleep structure 16 may have wheels orother structures instead of or at the ends of the legs 36, in which casethe connectors 30 can be configured to hold the wheels/legs to removablyconnect the rocking device 10 to the infant sleep structure 16.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are end views showing a rocking device 100 for an infantsleep structure 190, according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 shows therocking device 100 as having a stabilizing structure (e.g., at least onestabilizing leg) that is actuated to an extended or deployed position toprevent rocking of the infant sleep structure 190, while FIG. 7 showsthe rocking device 100 with the stabilizing structure actuated to aretracted or non-deployed position that permits rocking of the infantsleep structure 190.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the rocking device 100 includes a main body105. The main body 105 can be a curved member such as a pipe or tube.The main body 105 includes a curved rocking edge 110. The curved rockingedge 110 of the main body 105 can be designed to permit a soothingrocking and/or swaying motion when engaged with a floor. The rockingdevice 100 also includes an actuator 115 mounted on the main body 105.The rocking device 100 further includes at least one (for example, two)stabilizing leg 120 mounted on the main body 105. The at least onestabilizing leg 120 has a non-deployed position that permits rocking ofthe rocking device 100, and a deployed position that prevents rocking ofthe rocking device 100. The actuator 115 includes arms 125, 130connecting to the at least one stabilizing leg 120. When in use, theactuator 115 is configured to actuate the at least one stabilizing leg120 to the deployed position (FIG. 6) to prevent the rocking device 100from rocking, or to actuate the at least one stabilizing leg 120 to thenon-deployed position (FIG. 7) to permit rocking.

Also the rocking device 100 includes at least one (e.g., two) connector135 mounted on the main body 105. The at least one connector 135 isconfigured to removably mount the rocking device 100 to the infant sleepstructure 190. It will be appreciated that the infant sleep structure190 can be, e.g., the infant sleep structure 16 of FIGS. 1-5. The infantsleep structure 190 includes legs 195. It will also be appreciated thatthe at least one stabilizing leg and the actuator are mounted on a firstside of the main body, and the at least one connector is mounted on asecond side (opposite to the first side) of the main body.

The curved rocking edge 110 of the main body 105 is designed to rest onthe floor and permit a soothing rocking and/or swaying motion. It willbe appreciated that the curve of the curved rocking edge 110 can be anarc of a circular sector, an arc of a segment, or any other suitablecurve that permits a soothing rocking and/or swaying motion.

The main body 105 connects to the at least one stabilizing leg 120 viathe at least one connector 135. The main body 105 is rotatable in aclockwise and/or counter-clockwise direction. The actuator 115 can beused to actuate the rocking device 100 between the deployed position(shown in FIG. 6) and the non-deployed position (shown in FIG. 7).

The actuator 115 includes a handle 140, a hinge 145, and the arms 125,130. The handle 140 is located at and perpendicular to a side 150 of theactuator 115. In one embodiment, the handle 140 extends perpendicular toa plane formed by the hinge 145 and the arms 125, 130. The handle 140 isconfigured to allow a user to use his/her foot to actuate the rockingdevice 100 between the rocking and the deployed positions therebyeliminating the need for the user to bend down or use his/her hand(s) toactuate the rocking device 100. The handle 140 can have a substantiallyflat surface so that the handle 140 can be pressed down and/or pulled upby a user's foot or hand.

In one embodiment, the handle 140 and the hinge 145 of the actuator 115are integrally formed as one component. The arms 125, 130 are movablyconnected to the hinge 145. The proximal ends of the arms 125, 130connect to the hinge 145. In one embodiment, a middle portion of thehinge 145 connects to the proximal ends of the arms 125, 130. Each ofthe arms 125, 130 is movable at the proximal end of each arm 125, 130.The distal ends of the arms 125, 130 connect to the at least onestabilizing leg 120. In one embodiment, each of the distal ends of thearms 125, 130 connect to a middle portion of the correspondingstabilizing leg 120. A first end of the at least one stabilizing leg 120fixedly connects to the at least one connector 135. The at least onestabilizing leg 120 is rotatable along an axis at the middle portion ofthe at least one stabilizing leg 120.

In one embodiment, an end of the hinge 145 fixedly connects to one ofthe arms 125, 130. As shown in FIG. 6, at the deployed position, thearms 125, 130 of the actuator 115 become generally parallel to eachother, or are disposed relative to one another at or about a straightangle or the arms are collinear. The at least one stabilizing leg 120 isrotated by the arms 125, 130 so that the at least one stabilizing leg120 is generally perpendicular to the arms 125, 130, and a second end ofthe at least one stabilizing leg 120 extends beyond the curved rockingedge 110 either into engagement with the floor or to a position close tothe floor. In one embodiment, an angle formed between the at least onestabilizing leg 120 (from the second end opposite to the first end ofthe at least one stabilizing leg 120) and the arms can be greater than aright angle. At this position, because the at least one stabilizing leg120 is engaged with or very near the floor, the at least one stabilizingleg 120 prevents all or most rocking motion of the rocking device 100.It will be appreciated that the hinge 145 can retain the actuator 115 atthe deployed position.

As shown in FIG. 7, at the non-deployed position, the arms 125, 130 aredisposed at an angle relative to one another at an angle less than astraight angle. The at least one stabilizing leg 120 is rotated by thearms 125, 130 so that the at least one stabilizing leg 120 is retractedto a retracted position so that the at least one stabilizing leg 120does not project beyond the curved rocking edge 110 into engagement witha floor. The at least one stabilizing leg 120 is disposed above thefloor in a retracted position allowing the sleep structure 190 to rockon the curved rocking edge 110 of the main body 105. At this position,the curved rocking edge 110 of the main body 105 can provide a soothingrocking and/or swaying motion to the infant sleep structure 190 withoutbeing impacted by the at least one stabilizing leg 120. It will beappreciated that the hinge 145 can retain the actuator 115 at thenon-deployed position. The movement of the rocking device 100 betweenthe deployed position and the non-deployed position can be achieved byusing one's foot acting on the handle 140 of the actuator 115.

The rocking device 100 can be made of metal or any other suitablematerials. The at least one stabilizing leg 120 has an end for engagingwith the floor. The material of the second end of the at least onestabilizing leg 120 can be selected to prevent scratching of the floor,made of hardwood, tile, linoleum or the like or other surface that theend is engaged with when the rocking device 100 is in the deployedposition. The material of the curved rocking edge 110 can be selected toprevent scratching of the floor, made of hardwood, tile, linoleum or thelike, or other surface that the curved rocking edge 110 of the main body105 is engaged with. The material of the main body 105 can be wood,metal, plastic, rubber or any suitable material that allows the mainbody 105 to support the weight of the infant sleep structure to whichthe rocking device 100 connects.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, only one of the rocking devices 100 at oneend/side of the infant sleep structure 190 is visible in FIGS. 6 and 7,it being understood that a similar or identical rocking device 100 isdisposed at the opposite end/side of the infant sleep structure 190 inFIGS. 6 and 7, similar to that shown in FIG. 5.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views showing the connector 135 of therocking device of FIGS. 6 and 7, according to one embodiment. FIG. 8shows the connector 135 connects to the main body 105 and the at leastone stabilizing leg 120. FIG. 9 shows the connector 135 connects to themain body 105, the at least one stabilizing leg 120, and the infantsleep structure 190.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the connector 135 includes a lock means fortightening the connector 135 to the infant sleep structure. The lockmeans includes a main body 175, a holder 170, and an extension 180. Themain body 175 has a first portion connecting to the main body 105. Inone embodiment, the first portion of the main body 175 is a hollowstructure that allows the main body 105 to pass through (or partiallypass through) and retains the main body 105 inside the first portion.The main body 175 has a second portion connecting to the at least onestabilizing leg 120. In one embodiment, a distal end of the secondportion of the main body 175 fixedly connects to the first end of the atleast one stabilizing leg 120. The second portion of the main body 175extends (at a proximal end of the second portion) from a side of thefirst portion of the main body 175 and form a gap 165 between the secondportion of the main body 175 and the holder 170. The gap 165 generallybecomes larger from the proximal end to the distal end of the secondportion. The holder 170 extends from an end of the first portion of themain body 175. The holder 170 includes grooves on a top surface of theholder 170. The holder 170 also includes an extension 180.

As shown in FIG. 9, the infant sleep structure 190 includes a leg 195, aframe 155, and a connect portion 160. The infant sleep structure 190 canalso include a pin 185.

When in use, the grooves of the holder 170 match the shapes of the frame155 and/or the connect portion 160 of the infant sleep structure 190,and hold the frame 155 and/or the connect portion 160 of the infantsleep structure 190. The leg 195 of the infant sleep structure 190 canpartially pass through the gap 165 and be retained in the gap 165. Theconnect portion 160 of the infant sleep structure 190 can have a hole.The extension 180 of the holder 170 can have a hole. The pin 185 canpass through the hole of the connect portion 160 and the hole of theextension 180, and fixedly connects the connector 135 (and thus therocking device 100) to the infant sleep structure 190.

It will be appreciated that the main body 175, the holder 170, and theextension 180 of the connector 135 can be integrated as a single pieceor be separate components. The material of the connector 135 can bewood, metal, plastic, rubber or any suitable material that allows theconnector 135 to support the weight of the infant sleep structure 190 towhich the rocking device 100 connects.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, only one connector 135 at one end of themain body 105 of the rocking device 100 is visible, it being understoodthat a similar or identical connector 135 is disposed at the oppositeend of the main body 105 in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Referring to FIGS. 10-20, a stretcher assembly 200 disclosed herein isconfigured to stretch a mattress (hereafter referred to as “play yardmattress”) for an infant sleep structure (for example, the infant sleepstructure 16 of FIGS. 1-5 or the infant sleep structure 190 of FIGS.6-8) in a way that the play yard mattress can be made tauter when theplay yard mattress stretches over time. An example of a play yardmattress is described in U.S. 2016/0066705 the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

A comfortable yet air-permeable sleep surface is desirable for an infantto sleep on. If the sleep surface is comfortable, the child maypotentially sleep better. A play yard mattress with a comfortable sleepsurface can be used for the infant to sleep on. The play yard mattressalso needs to be firm and breathable.

Comfort can typically be achieved by using soft materials. However, asoft sleep surface can sometimes be considered dangerous if, forexample, the infant rolls to a prone position and buries his/her faceinto the soft material. Carbon dioxide, trapped by soft beddingmaterials, can build to lethal levels around the infant's nose and mouthcausing suffocation or “positional asphyxia”. A highly air permeablesleep surface can help disperse accumulated carbon dioxide, eliminatingor minimize the lethal rebreathing of the carbon dioxide. Using aloosely woven mesh material without any filler material can be preferredto accomplish the goal of dispersing accumulated carbon dioxide. Themesh material needs to be made taut enough to be used as a sleepsurface, which requires that the mesh material be stretched across arigid frame.

The play yard mattress can be made of mesh material/fabric. The playyard mattress can also be made of other breathable fabrics that increasethe breathability of the mattress. Using mesh material or otherbreathable fabrics can create a breathable and light-weight mattress.Mesh material can lower the possibility of accidental suffocation. Inaddition, if a fluid is spilled on the play yard mattress, the fluid canleak through the mesh and onto the floor, thus aiding in drying of theplay yard mattress. In one embodiment, the mesh material can includenylon or polyester screen material or other similar materials.

When in use, the play yard mattress needs to be stretched tight. In oneembodiment, the play yard mattress can include a frame that can hold theshape of the play yard mattress. A stretcher assembly disclosed hereincan stretch the play yard mattress over the frame in a way that the playyard mattress can be made tauter when the play yard mattress stretchesover time. The stretcher assembly can also allow the frame to easilycollapse for storage or transportation.

FIGS. 10-20 are perspective views showing a stretcher assembly for aplay yard mattress for an infant sleep structure.

FIG. 10 shows the stretcher assembly 200 in a stretched (or tightened)state connecting to a play yard mattress 300. The stretched state is astate in which either the stretcher assembly 200 is fully stretched ortightened, or the stretcher assembly 200 is not fully stretched but theplay yard mattress 300 that connects to the stretcher assembly 200 isfully stretched or tightened and the force from the play yard mattress300 (or a frame of the play yard mattress 300) prevents the stretcherassembly 200 from being further stretched or tightened. FIG. 11 is anenlarged partial view of the stretcher assembly 200 of FIG. 10.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the stretcher assembly 200 includes a firstportion 280 and a second portion 285. The first portion 280 includes aframe connector 205, a curved connector 210, and a connection bar 215.The second portion 285 includes a frame connector 206, a curvedconnector 211, and a connection bar 220. The first portion 280 and thesecond portion 285 are connected to one another by a hinge 250 to allowfolding of the stretcher assembly 200. The first portion 280 alsoincludes a sleeve 230. The sleeve 230 is movable relative to the secondportion 285 between an unlocked position and a locked position. Thesecond portion 285 also includes an adjustment sleeve 225 that isconfigured to adjust a length of the second portion 285. The two frameconnectors 205, 206 connect the stretcher assembly 200 to a frame of theplay yard mattress 300. The two frame connectors 205, 206, the twocurved connectors 210, 211, and the two connection bars 215, 220 aresymmetrically located on opposite sides of the hinge 250. Each of thetwo frame connectors 205, 206, the two curved connectors 210, 211, andthe two connection bars 215, 220 can be a hollow structure such as apipe or tube.

The play yard mattress 300 has an upper surface (not shown) and a lowersurface 320. The play yard mattress 300 can include a frame 305. Theframe 305 can form, for example, a rectangular shape. The frame 305 hastwo sides 310 and two ends 315. In one embodiment, at a location at ornear the middle of each of the two sides 310 of the frame 305, each ofthe two frame connectors 205, 206 of the stretcher assembly 200 canrespectively connect to the frame 305 at the lower surface of the playyard mattress 300. Each of the two frame connectors 205, 206 connects toeach of the two curved connectors 210, 211, respectively. Each of thetwo curved connectors 210, 211 connects to each of the two connectionbars 215, 220, respectively. The two frame connectors 205, 206 aregenerally perpendicular to the two connection bars 215, 220. The hinge250 connects the two connection bars 215, 220. The hinge 250 isconfigured to allow folding or unfolding of the play yard mattress 300.

Referring to FIG. 11, the stretcher assembly 200 includes a lockmechanism. The lock mechanism includes a lock button 235 on the secondportion 285 and a lock hole 245 formed in the sleeve 230. The lockbutton 235 is located near a proximal end of the connection bar 215. Thedistal end of the connection bar 215 connects to the curved connector210. The proximal end of the connection bar 215 connects to a firstguide rib 255 on the second portion 285. The first guide rib 255 canhave a substantially flat surface. Two sides of the first guide rib 255extend beyond a peripheral surface of the connection bar 215. It will beappreciated that in some embodiments, only one side of the first guiderib 255 extends beyond a peripheral surface of the connection bar 215.In one embodiment, the proximal end of the connection bar 215 fixedlyconnects to a middle portion of the first guide rib 255. In oneembodiment, the first guide rib 255 divides the connection bar 215 intotwo symmetrical halves in a cross sectional view (not shown). An end ofthe first guide rib 255 extends beyond the proximal end of theconnection bar 215. The end of the first guide rib 255 movably connectsto a first end of the hinge 250.

The distal end of the connection bar 220 connects to the curvedconnector 211. The proximal end of the connection bar 220 connects to asecond guide rib 260 on the first portion 280. The second guide rib 260can have a substantially flat surface. Two sides of the second guide rib260 extend beyond a peripheral surface of the connection bar 220. Itwill be appreciated that in some embodiments, only one side of thesecond guide rib 260 extends beyond a peripheral surface of theconnection bar 220. In one embodiment, the proximal end of theconnection bar 220 fixedly connects to a middle portion of the secondguide rib 260. In one embodiment, the second guide rib 260 divides theconnection bar 220 into two symmetrical halves in a cross sectional view(not shown). An end of the second guide rib 260 extends beyond theproximal end of the connection bar 220. The end of the second guide rib260 movably connects to a second end of the hinge 250.

The connection bar 215 (and the first guide rib 255) is movable at thefirst end of the hinge 250. At the first end of the hinge 250, theconnection bar 215 is rotatable along an axis perpendicular to the flatsurface of the first guide rib 255. The connection bar 220 (and thesecond guide rib 260) is movable at the second end of the hinge 250. Atthe second end of the hinge 250, the connection bar 220 is rotatablealong an axis perpendicular to the flat surface of the second guide rib260.

In FIG. 11, the play yard mattress (not shown) is at an expanded stateor a stretched state (the states will be describe later in detail), andthe first guide rib 255 is generally aligned with the second guide rib260 in the longitudinal direction of the connection bars 215, 220. Fromthe configuration of FIG. 11, when the connection bar 215 or 220 isrotated along the axis perpendicular to the flat surface of thefirst/second guide rib 255, 260, the first guide rib 255 is not alignedwith the second guide rib 260 in the longitudinal direction of theconnection bars 215, 220, and the play yard mattress can be folded orloosened.

The sleeve 230 is a hollow structure that the connection bar 220 canpass through. The sleeve 230 includes at least one interior groove. Theshape of the at least one interior groove generally matches the shape ofthe first and second guide ribs 255, 260, so that the sleeve 230 canslide along the first and second guide ribs 255, 260. The at least oneinterior groove is engageable with the guide rib 260 on the firstportion 280 and with the guide rib 255 on the second portion 285 toguide movement of the sleeve 230 between the unlocked position and thelocked position. In operation, the sleeve 230 can slide along theconnection bar 220 in the longitudinal direction of the connection bar220. The sleeve 230 can also rotate along the axis of the connection bar220. When the sleeve 230 slides toward the second guide rib 260, thesleeve 230 can be rotated so that the side(s) of the second guide rib260 can be inserted in the at least one interior groove of the sleeve230 (see FIG. 12). After the side(s) of the second guide rib 260 areinserted in the at least one interior groove of the sleeve 230, thesleeve 230 can slide toward the first guide rib 255 (but cannot rotatebecause of the side(s) of the second guide rib 260 being inserted in theat least one interior groove), so that the side(s) of the first guiderib 255 can be inserted in the at least one interior groove of thesleeve 230.

A biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring, see 270 in FIG. 20) is locatedunder the lock button 235. The biasing mechanism acts on the lock button235 and is configured to bias the lock button 235 beyond the peripheralsurface of the connection bar 215. The sleeve 230 has a lock hole 245.The lock mechanism includes the lock button 235 and the lock hole 245.The shape of the lock hole 245 generally matches the shape of the lockbutton 235 so that the lock button 235 can engage with the lock hole 245of the sleeve 230 at the lock position to prevent the sleeve 230 frommoving. At the locked position, the sleeve 230 is positioned closer tothe second portion 285 than at the unlocked position. At the lockedposition, the sleeve 230 covers the hinge 250. The design of the side(s)of the first guide rib 255 and the second guide rib 260 ensures analignment of the lock hole 245 and the lock button 235 in thelongitudinal direction of the connection bars 215, 220.

In operation, after the sleeve 230 passes the first guide rib 255 andslide towards the lock button 235 (see FIG. 17), the lock button 235blocks the sleeve 230 from sliding further (away from the connection bar220). The lock button 235 can be pressed downward towards an inner ofthe connection bar 215, so that the sleeve 230 can slide further awayfrom the connection bar 220. When the lock hole 245 is aligned (in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) with the lockbutton 235, the biasing mechanism 270 acts on the lock button 235 andbias the lock button 235 so that the lock button 235 passes through thelock hole 245. As such, the lock button 235 engages with the lock hole245 of the sleeve 230 and prevents the sleeve 230 from moving, and thestretcher assembly 200 is at the locked position. When the lock button235 engages with the sleeve 230, the sleeve 230 covers the hinge 250(and the first/second guide rib 255, 260) and prevents the hinge 250from folding the play yard mattress.

It will be appreciated that when the lock button 235 engages with thelock hole 245, even if the lock button 235 is pressed down again, amechanism (not shown) inside the sleeve 230 prevents the sleeve 230 fromsliding further away from the connection bar 220. In such case, when thelock button 235 engages with the lock hole 245, if the lock button 235is pressed down again, the sleeve 230 can slide back toward theconnection bar 220, and the stretcher assembly 200 is at the unlockedposition. The sleeve 230 is movable relative to the second portion 285between the unlocked position and the locked position. The lock button235 on the second portion 285 can releasably lock the sleeve 230 at thelocked position.

It will be appreciated that the as shown in FIG. 11, the first guide rib255 and the second guide rib 260 are fully visible to a user. The fullvisibility of the first guide rib 255 and the second guide rib 260 canindicate that the stretcher assembly 200 can be folded, e.g., byrotating the connection bar 215 or 220 along the axis perpendicular tothe flat surface of the first/second guide rib 255, 260. As such, theplay yard mattress that connects to the frame connectors 205 can befolded or loosened. The full coverage (by the sleeve 230) can indicatethat the stretcher assembly 200 cannot be folded, because the sleeve 230prevents the connection bar 215 or 220 from rotating. As such, theoperation can be easy to use and intuitive for the end user (i.e., it isobvious that the operation is correct).

FIG. 12 shows the sleeve 230 sliding and/or rotating (see the arrows)toward the lock button 235. FIGS. 13 and 14 are cross sectional views ofthe stretcher assembly 200 in a direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction of the connection bars 215, 220.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the stretcher assembly 200 alongthe lock hole 245 (see lines 13-13 in FIG. 12) of the sleeve 230 whenthe lock hole 245 is not yet aligned with the lock button 235 in thelongitudinal direction of the connection bars 215, 220. In such case,the second guide rib 260 blocks the sleeve 230 from sliding furthertoward the lock button 235 to cover the second guide rib 260, unless thesleeve 230 is rotated so that the side(s) of the second guide rib 260can be inserted in the at least one interior groove of the sleeve 230.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the stretcher assembly 200 alongthe lock hole 245 (see line 13-13 in FIG. 12) of the sleeve 230 when thelock hole 245 is aligned with the lock button 235 in the longitudinaldirection of the connection bars (215, 220). In such case, the side(s)of the second guide rib 260 can be inserted in the at least one interiorgroove of the sleeve 230, and the sleeve 230 can slide further towardthe lock button 235 to cover the first and the second guide ribs 255,260.

FIG. 15 shows the sleeve 230 sliding toward (see the arrow) the lockbutton 235.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are enlarged partial views of the stretcher assembly 200of FIG. 10. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the stretcher assembly 200includes a stop mechanism 240 that limits movement of the adjustmentsleeve 225 toward the lock mechanism. The stop mechanism is configuredto prevent the adjustment sleeve 225 from moving towards the lock button235. The adjustment sleeve 225 is a hollow structure that the connectionbar 215 can pass through.

As shown in FIG. 16, the connection bar 215 includes a threaded portion265. The adjustment sleeve 225 has an inner threaded portion (not shown)that matches the threaded portion 265. In one embodiment, the threadedportion 265 has male thread (external thread), and the inner threadedportion of the adjustment sleeve 225 has female thread (internalthread). In another embodiment, the threaded portion 265 has femalethread (internal thread), and the inner threaded portion of theadjustment sleeve 225 has male thread (external thread). The adjustmentsleeve 225 can be rotated and move toward the lock button 235. The stopmechanism 240 is located at an end of the threaded portion 265. There isa space between the stop mechanism 240 and the lock button 235. The stopmechanism 240 can prevent the adjustment sleeve 225 from moving furthertowards the lock button 235.

FIG. 18 shows a portion of the stretcher assembly 200 in an expandedstate. The expanded state is a state in which the stretcher assembly 200expands or unfolds a play yard mattress 300 that connects to thestretcher assembly but the play yard mattress 300 is not fully stretchedor tightened yet. In FIG. 18, the stretcher assembly 200 is in anexpanded state such that the play yard mattress can be further stretchedor tightened (but not fully stretched or tightened yet).

When the adjustment sleeve 225 is rotated and move toward the lockbutton 235, the length of the second portion 285 decreases and the palyyard mattress is loosened, and the stretcher assembly 200 is changedfrom a stretched state to the expanded state. The stop mechanism 240 canprevent the adjustment sleeve 225 from moving further towards the lockbutton 235 to avoid under tighten.

FIG. 19 shows a portion of the stretcher assembly 200 in a stretchedstate. The stretched state is a state in which either the stretcherassembly 200 is fully stretched (e.g., the length of the stretcherassembly 200 cannot be increased anymore) or the stretcher assembly 200is not fully stretched (e.g., the length of the stretcher assembly 200can still be increased) but the play yard mattress that connects to thestretcher assembly 200 via the frame connectors 205 is fully stretchedand the force from the play yard mattress (or frame) prevents thestretcher assembly 200 from being further stretched.

When the adjustment sleeve 225 is rotated and move away from the lockbutton 235, the length of the second portion 285 increases, and the playyard mattress is stretched (or tightened), and the stretcher assembly200 is changed from an expanded state to the stretched state. A biasingmechanism (e.g., a spring, see 275 in FIG. 10) can bias and prevent theadjustment sleeve 225 from moving further away from the lock button 235to avoid over tighten.

The connection bar 215 can include an indicator 290. The indicator 290can indicate when the stretcher assembly 200 in a stretched state, by,for example, showing a color. The indicator 290 can indicate when thestretcher assembly 200 in an expanded state (or non-stretched state),by, for example, showing a color different from the stretched state.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the stretcher assembly 200 along alongitudinal direction of the stretcher assembly 200. FIG. 20 shows thebiasing mechanism 270 under the lock button 235.

In operation, the stretcher assembly 200 can be changed from a stretchedstate to the expanded state (but not fully stretched or tightened yet)as shown in FIG. 20, when the adjustment sleeve 225 is rotated and movetowards the lock button 235. In the expanded state, when the adjustmentsleeve 225 is rotated and move away from the lock button 235, thestretcher assembly 200 can be changed from the expanded state back tothe stretched state. The material of the lock button 235 of thestretcher assembly 200 can be wood, metal, plastic, rubber or anysuitable material. The material of other components of the stretcherassembly 200 can be aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or any suitablematerial.

The terminology used in this specification is intended to describeparticular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms“a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearlyindicated otherwise. The terms “includes” and/or “including,” when usedin this specification, specify the presence of the stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.

With regard to the preceding description, it is to be understood thatchanges may be made in detail, especially in matters of the constructionmaterials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts,without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The word“embodiment” as used within this specification may, but does notnecessarily, refer to the same embodiment. This specification and theembodiments described are examples only. Other and further embodimentsmay be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rocking device attachable to an infant sleepstructure, the rocking device comprising: a main body having a curvedrocking edge; at least one connector mounted on the main body andconfigured to removably mount the rocking device to the infant sleepstructure; an actuator mounted on the main body; at least onestabilizing leg mounted on the main body and connected to the actuator,the at least one stabilizing leg having a non-deployed position thatpermits rocking of the rocking device, and a deployed position thatprevents rocking of the rocking device, and the actuator is connected tothe at least one stabilizing leg to actuate the at least one stabilizingleg between the non-deployed position and the deployed position.
 2. Therocking device according to claim 1, wherein at the deployed position,the at least one stabilizing leg extends beyond the curved rocking edge.3. The rocking device according to claim 1, further comprising two ofthe stabilizing legs mounted on the main body and connected to theactuator.
 4. The rocking device according to claim 1, further comprisingtwo of the connectors mounted on the main body.
 5. The rocking deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one stabilizing leg ismounted on a first side of the main body, and the at least one connectoris mounted on a second side of the main body; and the actuator ismounted on the first side of the main body.
 6. The rocking deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein the actuator further comprises two armsthat are connected to the stabilizing legs; the arms are disposed atangle relative to one another when the stabilizing legs are at thenon-deployed position, and the arms are parallel to one another when thestabilizing legs are at the deployed position.
 7. The rocking deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein at the non-deployed position, the at leastone stabilizing leg does not extend beyond the curved rocking edge. 8.The rocking device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator includes ahandle, the handle extends in a direction perpendicular to a side of theactuator.
 9. An infant sleep structure, comprising: a first end and asecond end opposite the first end; a first rocking device in accordancewith claim 1 removably connected to the first end; and a second rockingdevice in accordance with claim 1 removably connected to the second end.10. A stretcher assembly for stretching a play yard mattress, thestretcher assembly comprising: a first portion and a second portion, thefirst portion and the second portion are connected to one another by ahinge to allow folding of the stretcher assembly; the first portionincluding a sleeve that is movable relative to the second portionbetween an unlocked position and a locked position, at the lockedposition the sleeve is positioned closer to the second portion than atthe unlocked position; at the locked position, the sleeve covers thehinge; and a lock mechanism on the second portion that releasably locksthe sleeve at the locked position.
 11. The stretcher assembly accordingto claim 10, wherein: the second portion includes an adjustment sleevethat is configured to adjust the length of the second portion; and thesecond portion includes a stop mechanism that limits movement of theadjustment sleeve toward the lock mechanism.
 12. The stretcher assemblyaccording to claim 10, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a lockbutton on the second portion, and a lock hole formed in the sleeve. 13.The stretcher assembly according to claim 10, wherein: the first portionincludes at least one guide rib thereon; the second portion includes atleast one guide rib thereon; the sleeve includes at least one interiorgroove that is engageable with the at least one guide rib on the firstportion and with the at least one guide rib on the second portion toguide movement of the sleeve between the unlocked position and thelocked position.
 14. A play yard, comprising: a mattress having a lowersurface, a first side, and a second side; and the stretcher assembly ofclaim 10 having a first end connected to the first side at the lowersurface of the mattress and a second end connected to the second side atthe lower surface.